Since it’s opening nearly a year ago, the Taste of Belgium Bistro has been on my radar. I tried their waffle last July and fell in love. Unfortunately I never made it down to check out the bistro until this past Saturday. We arrived just before 6pm and grabbed one of the last available tables directly next to the baker’s kitchen, complete with a 15 foot table that is available for large groups and special events.

Bakery And Baker’s Table

Our server was quick to provide water for our table as well as a plastic cup for our young son. We inquired about draft beer and she smoothly ran through the special draft list of American Belgian style ales and answered any questions we had about them. The normal draft list is full of great Belgian offerings too.

Summer Couscous

Prior to our visit, I had read good reviews of the food, especially the waffle ‘n chicken. I nearly had everyone at the table trying the dish. Since I had my wife convinced, I decided to try something else and went with the summer couscous, a recently added seasonal item to the menu. It combines their Israeli couscous with red onions, celery, basil, and lemon with roasted chicken served on top (I think around $14). Honestly, there wasn’t a lot of meat on the dish, but what was there was tender and juicy. It also paired well with the flavors in the couscous. However, I don’t think I would order this dish again.

Chicken ‘n Waffle

When my wife ordered the chicken ‘n waffle our server encouraged getting the hot sauce and maple syrup on the side of the chicken ‘n waffle since it was her first time trying it. This dish is as simple as it sounds – local chicken, Ohio maple syrup, hot sauce, salad ($14) – but the flavor is outstanding! The piece of chicken was quite large and my wife was full after eating half of the plate, leaving plenty for me to eat. I would definitely order this again and next time I’m getting the sauce served on top.

Boulets à la Liégeoise

My mother went with the Boulets à la Liégeoise – Belgian meatballs, frites, salad ($14). Though she enjoyed the dish she said that she too preferred the chicken ‘n waffle. My father ordered the Carbonnades à l’OTR – six hours beer-braised Belgian beef stew ($19). As usual, he was quick to dig in before I could get a picture and was able to clean his plate well ahead of the rest of us. I didn’t hear any complaints, so it must have been good.

Though I enjoyed dinner for the most part, I think my future visits will be for lunch or possibly even Sunday brunch. The chicken n’ waffle is still available all other times, and it costs only $10 with the salad from the dinner plate removed. I would also like to try some of the crepes or baguettes.